Run for Dough - By Evan Hammonds

re: Run for Dough - By Evan Hammonds

Final Furlong — Tue, 04 May 2010 21:51:13 GMT

The two-year old earnings should count as half the money needed to enter the KY Derby. How many starters qualified to run this year based on 2YO earnings and not 2010 earnings?

re: Run for Dough - By Evan Hammonds

Hoblin — Mon, 03 May 2010 01:43:15 GMT

Thanks to Mr Hammonds for being a voice of reason. Whether it's the NCAA basketball tournament, the BCS college football rankings, or the Derby, there will be those who find fault with the system.

Consider these alternate scenarios:

1) Churchill uses their corporate clout, and gives preference to horses that perform well in Stakes races at tracks owned by Churchill Downs, Inc.

2) The NCAA buys Churchill Downs, and decides to expand the Derby field to 31 horses. The horses that are 30th and 31st on the list compete in a "play-in" race two days before the Derby to decide who gets the final spot in the field.

Now, using the criterium of Graded Stakes earnings doesn't seem that bad, does it?

re: Run for Dough - By Evan Hammonds

Tammie — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:39:33 GMT

I agree. Leave it like it is. There really is no reason a horse can't start in more than 2 or 3 races before the Derby and really, it's only the dollars that count. The added prestige of a grade 1 can come after the Derby. Get the money now.

re: Run for Dough - By Evan Hammonds

Bellwether — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 06:21:10 GMT

LEAVE IT LIKE IT IS...ty...